Ceftriaxone — including its uses, dose, side effects, price, and FAQs

🩺 What Is Ceftriaxone?

Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which kills the bacteria causing the infection.

Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms such as E. coli, pneumonia, or meningitis. Ceftriaxone is also used to prevent infection in people having certain types of surgery.

🔹 Important: Ceftriaxone is not an oral tablet — it is given as an injection (IV/IM) by a doctor or trained healthcare provider.

How Ceftriaxone Works

Blocking bacterial cell wall synthesis
Making bacteria weak and unable to survive
Helping the immune system clear the infection faster

Its long half-life allows once-daily dosing in many cases, which improves patient compliance

💊 Uses

is prescribed for a wide range of bacterial infections, such as:

Pneumonia (lung infection)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Meningitis (infection of brain/spinal cord lining)
Bloodstream infections (septicemia)
Bone and joint infections
Skin and soft-tissue infections
Gonorrhea (sexually transmitted infection)
For prophylaxis (infection prevention) before some surgeries

It does not work for viral infections such as cold or flu.

💉 Doses

Since ceftriaxone is not a tablet, dosing depends on the type of infection and patient:

👨‍⚕️ Adults

Typical dose: 1 – 2 g once daily
Severe infections: Up to 4 g per day (divided once or twice)
Special infections (e.g., meningitis): 2 g once daily for 7–14 days

👶 Children

General infections: 50 – 75 mg/kg once daily
Serious infections (e.g., meningitis): 100 mg/kg once daily (max 4 g/day)

Route:
✔ Intravenous (IV) — into a vein
✔ Intramuscular (IM) — into a muscle

⚠️ Never self-administer. It must be given by a healthcare professional.

⚠️ Side Effects

Common side effects (usually mild):

Pain, redness or swelling at injection site
Diarrhea
Rash
Headache, dizziness
Changes in liver function tests
Abnormal blood counts (e.g., platelets)

Less common but serious reactions:

Severe allergic reactions (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty)
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Biliary sludge (gallbladder precipitates)
Hemolytic anemia (rare)

If you notice severe symptoms (e.g., breathing difficulty, extreme rash, high fever, very bad diarrhea), seek medical help immediately.

💰 Price in India

The price varies by brand and strength. Examples (injection form):

💉 Ceftriaxone 500 mg injection: around ₹20–₹40 per vial (varies by brand and pharmacy).

💡 Prices change with manufacturer, location, tax and retail discounts.

🔔 Important Note

✔ Always complete the full course
✔ Do not self-inject
✔ Use only on medical advice 👉 Consult a doctor if side effects are severe

❓ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Can I take Ceftriaxone as a tablet?
A: No is only available as an injection. If you see “ceftriaxone tablet” listed online, it is likely a different antibiotic such as cefixime or cefuroxime.

Q2. Is Ceftriaxone safe during pregnancy?
A: It is generally considered safe when prescribed by a doctor, but always consult your healthcare provider before taking any antibiotic during pregnancy.

Q3. Can I drink alcohol while on Ceftriaxone?
A: Alcohol doesn’t have a direct harmful interaction with ceftriaxone, but alcohol can worsen side effects like dizziness or upset stomach, so it’s best to avoid it during treatment.

Q4. What if I miss a dose?
A: If a scheduled injection is missed, the doctor will decide when to administer the next dose. Do not self-adjust dosage.

Q5. How long before Ceftriaxone works?
A: Improvement often occurs within a few days, but full course must be completed as prescribed to ensure infection is fully cleared and to prevent resistance.

🧠 Final Notes

✔ Ceftriaxone is a powerful antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections.
✔ It must be given under medical supervision — not self-medicated.
✔ Always follow your doctor’s instructions and finish the full course.
✔ Antibiotics should not be used for viral infections.

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